Marilyn Grace DeCocco, 92, of Bluffton, SC, formerly of Monroe, NJ, passed away Monday, November 17, 2025 at Vineyard of Bluffton.
Marilyn was born April 21, 1933 in Jersey City, NJ to the late Joseph L. Smith and Anna Sheridan Smith. Upon high school graduation, Marilyn pursued a Degree in Nursing from Jersey City Medical Center School of Nursing. She worked compassionately as a registered nurse for over 40 years, retiring as the Assistant Director of Nursing for Hazlet Nursing Home in New Jersey.
Marilyn married her long time sweetheart, Frank DeCocco, in 1955. Together, they enjoyed traveling the world, and were members of a bowling league and the Italian American Club. They spent 60 years as husband and wife, until Frank’s passing in 2015. She continued to be a proud member of the Italian American Club, in addition to the Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She enjoyed reading a good book and spending time with her family. Marilyn relocated to Bluffton in 2023.
Marilyn is survived by her son, Michael DeCocco (Anne) of Castle Hayne, NC; daughters, Donna Bonura (John) of Bluffton and Maryann Maykowski (Steve) of Charlotte, NC; brother, Joseph L. Smith (Carole) of Spring Lake, NJ; grandchildren, Christopher DeCocco (Stacey), Sarah DeCocco (Diego Delgado), Jessica Kolesnik (Michael), Johnny Bonura (Megan), and Matthew Maykowski; and 12 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Marilyn was predeceased by her sister, Anne Stryeski.
A funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am, Thursday, November 20, 2025 at Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 31 St. Gregory Dr., Bluffton. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:30 am until the time of the mass at the church.
Sauls Funeral Home of Bluffton is assisting the family with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


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